'Exceptional' Leeds United star stands out in Norwich City win amid 99 times out of 100 verdict
Leeds United will be part of the FA Cup quarter-final draw this evening following Sunday's win.
Former striker Glenn Murray has highlighted Leeds United’s left-hand side and the ‘exceptional’ performance of Gabriel Gudmundsson during Sunday’s FA Cup win.
Leeds beat Norwich City 3-0 at Elland Road to book their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002/03. Goals from Sean Longstaff, Gudmundsson and Joel Piroe capped off a dominant performance in which Premier League quality showed against Championship opposition.
Gudmundsson has been outstanding all season but somewhat surprisingly, given his attacking intent and energy, hadn’t registered a single goal or assist for Leeds. But he got off the mark on both occasions against Norwich, finding Longstaff for the opener before stabbing in a deflected Dan James cross to make it 2-0 just before half-time.
“I think he just carried on from his league form. He’s been exceptional all season,” Murray told Match of the Day of Gudmundsson. “Everything down the left-hand side, Leeds were dominant. Gnonto, Longstaff and Gudmundsson all connected really well.
“Longstaff doesn’t get picked up [for his goal], but this finish is so good. The way that he brings it down, I honestly think if he did this another 99 times, he couldn’t squeeze it in that little corridor. It’s exceptional skill.
“When the ball wasn’t coming down Gudmundsson’s side, he was crashing the box really well, right on the penalty spot and when it arrived at his feet he made no mistake. Then the other side of his game, that he’s actually meant to do as a defender, he did exceptionally well.
“He’s always in control of the situation, follows his man, and times his tackle to perfection. He got Player of the Match and I think he’s been an exceptional player for Leeds. He’s always an outlet down that left-hand side.”
Leeds United boost ahead of Premier League return
Gudmundsson was one of just two current first-team regulars to start on Sunday, with Daniel Farke rotating heavily against his former side. But in an encouraging sign, the likes of Longstaff, Gnonto and Jaka Bijol all looked sharp to stake the respective claims for more Premier League minutes.
”It was a convincing performance, really stamping their authority,” former England international Ellen White added. “And it’s the magic of the FA Cup, giving the fans some excitement, obviously they're still in and around potential relegation so they need to keep fighting in the Premier League but this will give them some big confidence.
“A big boost and another win at Elland Road as well. [They’re still in the relegation battle] a little bit but if you’re relying on these types of players who are performing so well, have the confidence in both boxes, scoring goals and defending well, hopefully for them, they’ll be staying up this season.”
Leeds will now be watching with interest when the FA Cup quarter-final draw takes place this evening. The last eight ties will be announced ahead of tonight’s final fifth-round meeting between Premier League pair West Ham United and Brentford.